Over the past few years I find it harder and harder to remain loyal to American Airlines when traveling domestically. I say this because it seems over the past few years American continues to worsen overall customer experience.
They’ve done this by removing in-flight entertainment screens, reducing seat pitch, shrinking lavatories, and by offering an inconsistent fleet. On some domestic aircraft you get seat-back screen, in-seat power, and standard legroom. While on other legacy US Airways aircraft you get no seat power, no seat-back screens, and no WiFi. Overall, it’s safe to say that flying American domestically today is worse than it was a few years ago.
However, I personally think that American has done a good job in recent months of trying to cover up those shortfalls. For starters, American recently introduce complimentary alcohol in Main Cabin Extra (MCE). Furthermore, the airline once again allows basic economy customers to bring a carry-on on board. Finally, I find that most American Airlines aircraft now have WiFi which allows you to stream movies and shows to your personal device. This issue is still the lack of seat-power, but hopefully that will be installed on most aircraft soon.
American Airlines Adds Complimentary Live TV To Select Flights
Well, in line with the theme of trying to improve the customer experience, American recently introduced Live TV on select flights. Specifically, American will now offer Live TV on all aircraft equipped seat-back entertainment and aircraft with next-gen WiFi. Currently, American offers Live TV on about 100 of their airplanes with plans to increase that number to 700 in future.
On aircraft equipped with seat-back screens, customers will be able watch Live TV directly on the seat-back entertainment screen. On aircraft without seat-back screens, passengers can now stream Live TV to their personal mobile device.
One thing to note is that the Live TV lineup differs for domestic and international flights. Passengers on domestic flights will be able to watch the following Live TV channels.
While customers on international flights will only be able to watch these channels.
Either way, I think this is an improvement that many customers will enjoy. Personally, this improvement reminds me a lot of when American made all in-flight entertainment free a few years back. That’s right, you used to have to swipe your credit card to watch a movie on American!
Final Thoughts
While I’m sure some customers will appreciate this change I personally could care less. One of the things I love most about flying is the ability to disconnect. I love putting on music and reading or book or immersing myself in a movie with limited distractions (no, you cannot go to the bathroom for the 10th time window passenger!). For that reason, I personally don’t find much in having Live TV on my next flight.
Additionally, while steaming Live TV to my mobile device is great, I will absolutely need to have a seat with a power plug in order to steam for any period of time. Steaming any content on my phone or iPad absolutely destroys my battery so I will definitely need power in order to watch.
This especially creates an issue on aircraft where American has brilliantly installed two power sockets per row. My guess is unless they add a third port we’re going to see a lot more air rage in the near future. Especially given that American did add free booze in MCE.
Anyway, there you have it, American has added Live TV to their on-board experience. If you care about Live TV maybe you’ll pick American the next time you fly. If you don’t you can continue on booking flights as you wish and I’m sorry for wasting your time.
